Set-top box with enhanced functionality and system and method for use of same

ABSTRACT

A set-top box with enhanced functionality and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment of the set-top box system, first and second set-top boxes each include a housing securing a television input, a television output, a processor, a wireless transceiver, memory, and storage communicatively interconnected by a busing architecture. Each of the set-top boxes is connected to a display, such as a television. A syndication profile associated with the set-top boxes enables a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control both displays via each of the set-top boxes.

PRIORITY STATEMENT & CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/990,358 entitled “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Functionality and Systemand Method for Use of Same” filed on May 25, 2018, in the names ofWilliam C. Fang et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 10,148,998 issued on Dec. 4,2018; which claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No.62/511,147 entitled “Set-Top Box with Enhanced Functionality and Systemand Method for Use of Same” filed on May 25, 2017, in the name ofVanessa Ogle; which is hereby incorporated by reference for allpurposes. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/990,358 entitled “Set-TopBox with Enhanced Functionality and System and Method for Use of Same”filed on May 25, 2018, in the names of William C. Fang et al., now U.S.Pat. No. 10,148,998 issued on Dec. 4, 2018 is also acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/857,310entitled “Set Top/Back Box, System and Method for Providing a RemoteControl Device” filed on Dec. 28, 2017, in the names of Vanessa Ogle etal., now U.S. Pat. No. 10,136,176 issued on Nov. 20, 2018; which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/422,667 entitled“Set-Top/Back Box, System and Method for Providing a Remote ControlDevice” filed on Feb. 2, 2017, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al.;which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/162,823entitled “Set Top/Back Box, System and Method for Providing a RemoteControl Device” filed on May 24, 2016, in the names of Vanessa Ogle etal.; which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/876,571 entitled “Set Top/Back Box, System and Method for Providing aRemote Control Device” filed on Oct. 6, 2015, in the names of VanessaOgle et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 9,351,029 issued on May 24, 2016; whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/525,392entitled “Set Top/Back Box, System and Method for Providing a RemoteControl Device” filed on Oct. 28, 2014, in the names of Vanessa Ogle etal., now U.S. Pat. No. 9,154,825 issued on Oct. 6, 2015; which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/177,876 entitled“Set Top/Back Box, System and Method for Providing a Remote ControlDevice” filed on Feb. 11, 2014, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al., nowU.S. Pat. No. 8,875,195 issued on Oct. 28, 2014; which is a continuationof U.S. application Ser. No. 13/528,663 entitled “Set Top/Back Box,System And Method For Providing A Remote Control Device” filed on Jun.20, 2012, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al., now U.S. Pat. No.8,650,600 issued on Feb. 11, 2014; which claims priority from U.S.patent application Ser. No. 61/498,734, entitled “Set Top/Back Box,System and Method for Providing a Remote Control Device” and filed onJun. 20, 2011, in the names of Vanessa Ogle et al.; all of which arehereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates, in general, to set-top boxes and, in particular,to set-top boxes with enhanced functionality and systems and methods foruse of the same that address and enhance the functionality providedbetween a set-top box and a display or television, for example.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To many individuals, a television is more than just a display screen,rather it is a doorway to the world, both real and imaginary, and a wayto experience new possibilities and discoveries. Consumers are demandingenhanced content in an easy-to-use platform. As a result of suchconsumer preferences, the quality of content and ease-of-use arefrequent differentiators in determining television experiences,particularly in multi-television environments. Remote controls are nowconsidered a necessary part of ease-of-use for operating televisiondevices wirelessly from a short line-of-sight distance without the needto approach the television. Remote controls are usually small wirelesshandheld objects with an array of buttons for adjusting various settingssuch as television channel and volume. These devices have limitedfunctionality and, as a result, there is a continuing need for improvedremote controls that enhance ease-of-use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to achieve a remote control that would improveupon existing limitations in functionality. It would also be desirableto enable a wireless-based solution that would improve ease-of-use forremote control functionality in multi-display or multi-televisionenvironments. To better address one or more of these concerns, set-topboxes are disclosed with enhanced functionality and systems and methodsfor use of the same that address and enhance the functionality providedbetween a set-top box and a display or television, for example. In oneembodiment of the set-top box system, first and second set-top boxeseach include a housing securing a television input, a television output,a processor, a wireless transceiver, memory, and storage communicativelyinterconnected by a busing architecture. Each of the set-top boxes isconnected to a display, such as a television. A syndication profileassociated with the set-top boxes enables a proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device to control both displays via each of theset-top boxes. These and other aspects of the invention will be apparentfrom and elucidated with reference to the embodiments describedhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of thepresent invention, reference is now made to the detailed description ofthe invention along with the accompanying figures in which correspondingnumerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting one embodiment of a system forproviding enhanced set-top box functionality according to the teachingspresented herein;

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting one operational embodiment ofthe system of FIG. 1 within a multi-display environment;

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram depicting another operational embodimentof the system of FIG. 1 within a multi-display environment;

FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram depicting a further operationalembodiment of the system of FIG. 1 within a multi-display environment;

FIG. 3A is a wall-facing exterior elevation view of one embodiment ofthe set-top box depicted in FIG. 1 in further detail;

FIG. 3B is a television-facing exterior elevation view of the set-topbox depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a front perspective view of a dongle depicted in FIG. 1 infurther detail;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of theset-top box presented in FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of aserver presented in FIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram depicting one embodiment of aprogrammable device presented in FIGS. 2A through 2C;

FIG. 7 is a schematic data flow diagram depicting one embodiment ofsingle frame signaling between the set-top box and the programmabledevice;

FIG. 8 is a schematic data flow diagram depicting one embodiment ofstreaming video between the set-top box and the programmable devicehaving a touch panel display;

FIG. 9 is a schematic data flow diagram depicting one embodiment ofcontrol signaling between the set-top box and the programmable device;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart diagram depicting one embodiment of a method foruser touch panel display command execution; and

FIG. 11 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a method forproviding a remote control device, according to the teachings presentedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, whichcan be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, therein is depicted one embodiment of asystem 10 for addressing and enhancing the functionality provided amulti-display environment S. An entertainment center 12 includes aset-top box 14. As shown, the display 16 is depicted as a televisionhaving a screen 18, which is showing program P₁. It should beappreciated however, that the display 16 may also be any electronicvisual display device, for example. Entertainment centers, like theentertainment center 12, may be deployed throughout the multi-displayenvironments, which may be a lobby, sports bar or other gathering place,for example. The entertainment center 12 is depicted as including theset-top box 14 and the display 16. It should be appreciated however thatthe entertainment center 12 may include any combination of electronicappliances, components, and devices and, in particular, any combinationof electronic appliances, components, and devices found in multi-displayenvironments.

As shown, with respect to the set-top box 14 having a housing 20, andthe display 16, a connection, which is depicted as an HDMI connection22, connects the set-top box 14 to the display 16. Other connectionsinclude a power cable 24 coupling the set-top box 14 to a power source,a coaxial cable 26 coupling the set-top box 14 to an external cablesource, and a category five (Cat 5) cable 28 coupling the set-top box 14to an external pay-per-view source. As shown, the set-top box 14 mayinclude a dongle 30 providing particular technology and functionalityextensions thereto. That is, the set-top box 14 may be a set-topbox-dongle combination in one embodiment. More generally, it should beappreciated that the cabling connected to the set-top box 14 will dependon the environment and application, and the cabling connectionspresented in FIG. 1 are depicted for illustrative purposes. Further, itshould be appreciated that the positioning of the set-top box 14 willvary depending on environment and application and, with certainfunctionality, the set-top box 14 may be placed more discretely behindthe display 16. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the set-top box14 and the display 16 may be at least partially or fully integrated. Theset-top box 14 communicates wirelessly, as indicated by wirelesssignaling W, with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice 40 that is illustrated as a tablet computer having a touch screendisplay 42 showing various buttons 44. Although a tablet computer isdepicted, the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device40 may be a personal computer, laptop, smart phone, or smart watch, forexample.

Syndication profiles 50 are associated with the set-top box 12 and otherset-top boxes coupled to respective displays. With respect tosyndication profile 52, which forms a portion of the syndicationprofiles 50, the syndication profile 52 enables the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 to control thedisplay 16 via the set-top box 14 and, as will be discussed in furtherdetail hereinbelow, the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 is able to control other displays. That is, inone embodiment, the syndication profile 52 provides that a singleinstance of the virtual remote control functionality from the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 controls multipledisplays. The syndication profile 52 may be at least partially saved inmemory of each set-top box. Further, as shown, the syndication profile52 includes data on subscribers, such as proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device data 54, which includes the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40, set-top box data56, which includes the set-top box 14, and various server data 58relative to servers associated with the set-top boxes of set-top boxdata 56. In operation, the syndication profile 52 is utilized by theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 and theset-top box 12 to enable a remote control operation, such as theillustrated channel change with wireless signal W from the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40. In particular, theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 is withinarea A of the set-top box 14. A pairing is then established between theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 and theset-top box 14. Following the pairing, the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40 has remote control functionality asshown on the touchscreen display 42 with various buttons 44. As shown,utilizing the various buttons 44, the wireless signal W is sent from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 to theset-top box 14. A channel change operation for the program P₁ to aprogram P₂ is then effectuated. It should be appreciated that otherremote control operations may be effectuated too, such as volumeadjustment or change in power state, for example. Moreover, on themulti-display environment S, the wireless signal W may contain multipledisplays.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, multiple embodiments of the system 10are depicted including a server 80 that may be co-located in themulti-display environment S with the entertainment centers 12-1 . . .12-n. As shown, each of the entertainment centers 12-1 . . . 12-n mayrespectively include set-top boxes 14-1 . . . 14-n and displays 16-1 . .. 16-n. Also, as shown, the server 80 includes a housing 82 havingvarious components and software therein as will be discussedhereinbelow, including in FIG. 5. The server 80 receives outside contentfrom content sources 84 for distribution to the displays 16-1 . . . 16-nvia the set-top boxes 14-1 . . . 14-n. The proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40 is being utilized to perform a remotecontrol operation, such as a channel change or volume adjustment, on aportion of the displays 16-1 . . . 16-n.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, by way of the syndicationprofile 52, a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device40 is being utilized to change the channel at display 16-1 and display16-n as both of these displays share a common syndication profile. Thedisplay 16-2 is on a different syndication profile and may show adifferent program. As illustrated, the wireless signal W from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 isreceived by set-top box 14-1 which is associated with the display 16-1and received by the set-top box 14-n which is associated with thedisplay 16-n. In accordance with the signalization, the channel ischanged at display 16-1 and the display 16-n as indicated by referenceC_(W). Therefore, the wireless signal W provides a single instance ofthe virtual remote control functionality input instructions controllingthe set-top box 14-1 and the set-top box 14-n.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment, by way of the syndicationprofile, the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device40 is being utilized to change the channel at the display 16-1 and thedisplay 16-n as both of these displays share a common syndicationprofile. The display 16-2 is on a different syndication profile and mayshow a different program. As illustrated, the wireless signal W from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 isreceived by set-top box 14-1 which is associated with the display 16-1.In accordance with the signalization, the channel is changed at thedisplay 16-1 as indicated by reference C_(W). The set-top box 14-1 thensends out wireless signalization X, which is received by the set-top box14-n, which is associated with the display 16-n. In accordance with thesignalization, the channel is changed at the display 16-n as indicatedby reference C. Therefore, the wireless signal W provides a singleinstance of the virtual remote control functionality input instructionscontrolling the set-top box 14-1 and the set-top box 14-n.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, in one embodiment, by way of the syndicationprofile 52, the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice 40 is being utilized to change the channel at display 16-1 anddisplay 16-n as both of these displays share a common syndicationprofile. The display 16-2 is on a different syndication profile and mayshow a different program. As illustrated, a wireless signal W from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 isreceived by the set-top box 14-1 which is associated with the display16-1. In accordance with the signalization, the channel is changed atthe display 16-1 as indicated by reference C_(W1). The set-top box 14-1then sends out signalization command C, which is received by the server80, and forwarded to the set-top box 14-n associated with the display16-n. In accordance with the signalization command C, the channel ischanged at the display 16-n as indicated by reference C_(C). Therefore,the wireless signal W₁ provides a single instance of the virtual remotecontrol functionality input instructions controlling the set-top box14-1 and the set-top box 14-n.

Continuing to refer to FIG. 2C, following the channel change operationat set-top boxes 14-1, 14-n with respective displays 16-1, 16-n, theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 accesses asecond syndication profile that controls set-top box 14-2, which isassociated with the display 16-2. A wireless signal W₂ from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 isreceived by set-top box 14-2 and in accordance with the signalization,the channel is changed at the display 16-2 as indicated by referenceC_(W2). Accordingly, with respect to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, thesignalization may travel from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 directly to each of the appropriate set-top boxesin accordance with the syndication profile or indirectly through aset-top box-to-set-top box signalization or indirectly through a set-topbox-to-server signalization. Further, each proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40 may have access to multiplesyndication profiles providing for control of various groupings ofset-top boxes and displays.

Referring to FIG. 3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 3C, and FIG. 4, as used herein,set-top boxes, back boxes and set-top/back boxes may be discussed asset-top boxes. By way of example, the set-top box 14 may be a set-topunit that is an information appliance device that generally containsset-top box functionality including having a television-tuner input anddisplays output through a connection to a display or television set andan external source of signal, turning by way of tuning the source signalinto content in a form that can then be displayed on the televisionscreen or other display device. Such set-top boxes are used in cabletelevision, satellite television, and over-the-air television systems,for example.

The set-top box 14 includes a housing 20 including a panel 100 and arear wall 102, front wall 104, top wall 106, bottom base 108, and twosidewalls 110, 112. It should be appreciated that front wall, rear wall,and side wall are relative terms used for descriptive purposes and theorientation and the nomenclature of the walls may vary depending onapplication. The front wall includes various ports, ports 114, 116, 118,120, 122, 124, 126, 128, and 130 that provide interfaces for variousinterfaces, including inputs and outputs. In one implementation, asillustrated, the ports 114 through 130 include inputs 132 and outputs134 and, more particularly, an RF input 136, a RJ-45 input 138,universal serial bus (USB) input/outputs 140, an Ethernet category 5(Cat 5) coupling 142, an internal reset 144, an RS232 control 146, anaudio out 148, an audio in 150, and a debug/maintenance port 152. Thefront wall 104 also includes various inputs 132 and outputs 134. Moreparticularly, ports 160, 162, 164, and 166 include a 5V dc powerconnection 170, USB inputs/outputs 172, an RJ-45 coupling 174, and anHDMI port 176. It should be appreciated that the configuration of portsmay vary with the set-top box depending on application and context. Aspreviously alluded to, the housing 20 may include a housing-donglecombination including, with respect to the dongle 30, a unit 180 havinga cable 182 with a set-top box connector 184 for selectively couplingwith the set-top box 14.

Within the housing 20, a processor 200, memory 202, storage 204, theinputs 132, and the outputs 134 are interconnected by a bus architecture206 within a mounting architecture. It should be understood that theprocessor 200, the memory 202, the storage 204, the inputs 132, and theoutputs 134 may be entirely contained within the housing 20 or thehousing-dongle combination. The processor 200 may process instructionsfor execution within the computing device, including instructions storedin the memory 202 or in storage 204. The memory 202 stores informationwithin the computing device. In one implementation, the memory 202 is avolatile memory unit or units. In another implementation, the memory 202is a non-volatile memory unit or units. Storage 204 provides capacitythat is capable of providing mass storage for the set-top box 14. Thevarious inputs 132 and outputs 134 provide connections to and from thecomputing device, wherein the inputs 132 are the signals or datareceived by the set-top box 14, and the outputs 134 are the signals ordata sent from the set-top box 14. A television content signal input 208and a television output 210 are also secured in the housing 20 in orderto receive content from an external source and forward the content,including external content such as cable and satellite and pay-per-view(PPV) programing, to the display, which may be a television.

A transceiver 212 is associated with the set-top box 14 andcommunicatively disposed with the bus 206. As shown the transceiver 212may be internal, external, or a combination thereof to the housing.Further, the transceiver 212 may be a transmitter/receiver, receiver, oran antenna for example. Communication between various amenities in themulti-display environment S and the set-top box 14 may be enabled by avariety of wireless methodologies employed by the transceiver 212,including 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, WiFi, ZigBee, near field communications(NFC), Bluetooth low energy and Bluetooth, for example. Also, infrared(IR) may be utilized.

The memory 202 and storage 204 are accessible to the processor 200 andinclude processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor 200 to execute a series of operations. In one embodiment, theprocessor-executable instructions cause the processor 200 to specify asearch operation to identify the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40. The search operation may utilize the wirelesstransceiver to wirelessly identify the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40. The processor-executableinstructions may then cause the processor 200 to establish a pairingbetween the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device40 and the set-top box 14. Further, the processor 200 may be caused toprovide instructions for virtual buttons on a touch screen displayassociated with the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice 40 such that the virtual buttons are associated with theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40. Theprocessor-executable instructions may include instructions to cause theprocessor 200 to receive and process virtual remote controlfunctionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40.

Following receipt and process of the virtual remote controlfunctionality input instructions, the processor 200 may be caused toevaluate the functionality input instructions to assign a meaning,generate a command signal, and send the command signal to the display.The memory 202 may further include processor-executable instructionsthat, when executed, cause the processor 200 to send formatted parallelaudiovisual experience instructions to the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40. The formatted parallel audiovisualexperience instructions may be configured to provide a downstreamparallel experience related to the content on the display. Theprocessor-executable instructions may cause the processor 200 to sendthe signalization to the another set-top box where processor-executableinstructions may cause the processor 200 to receive signalizationassociated with the syndication profile 52 and send the command signalto the display associated with the set-top box.

Referring now to FIG. 5, one embodiment of the server 80 as a computingdevice includes a processor 230, memory 232, storage 234, inputs 236,outputs 238, and a network adaptor 240 interconnected with various buses242 in a common or distributed, for example, mounting architecture. Inother implementations, in the computing device, multiple processorsand/or multiple buses may be used, as appropriate, along with multiplememories and types of memory. Further still, in other implementations,multiple computing devices may be provided and operations distributedtherebetween. The processor 230 may process instructions for executionwithin the server 80, including instructions stored in the memory 232 orin storage 234. The memory 232 stores information within the computingdevice. In one implementation, the memory 232 is a volatile memory unitor units. In another implementation, the memory 232 is a non-volatilememory unit or units. Storage 234 includes capacity that is capable ofproviding mass storage for the server 80. Various inputs 236 and outputs238 provide connections to and from the server 80, wherein the inputs236 are the signals or data received by the server 80, and the outputs238 are the signals or data sent from the server 80. The network adaptor240 couples the server 80 to a network such that the server 80 may bepart of a network of computers, a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), an intranet, a network of networks, or the Internet, forexample.

The memory 232 and storage 234 are accessible to the processor 230 andinclude processor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor 230 to execute a series of operations. In one embodiment, theprocessor-executable instructions cause the processor 230 to receive asignalization from one set-top box and forward the signalization to oneor more other set-top boxes.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40 as a computing device, which includesa processor 260, memory 262, and storage 264 interconnected with a bus266. A display 268, I/O panel, 270, camera 272, and transceiver 274 arealso connected to the bus 266. The wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 may be a wireless communication device of thetype including various fixed, mobile, and/or portable devices. Asmentioned, the wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 maybe a personal computer, laptop, tablet computer, smart phone, or smartwatch, for example. The transceiver 274 may be configured to communicatewith the set-top box, for example, via a standard selected from thegroup consisting of infrared (IR), 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, Wi-Fi, ZigBee,near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth, and Bluetooth low energy. Itshould be appreciated that although a particular architecture isexplained, other designs and layouts are within the teachings presentedherein.

In operation, the teachings presented herein permit the wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40, such as a smart phone, tabletcomputer or laptop, to be utilized as an intelligent remote controldevice to interactively communicate with one or more set-top boxesoperate respective displays, such as televisions. In the operationembodiment being described, the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 may be “paired” on a temporary basis to one ormore of the set-top boxes. The proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 may communicate via the set-top box(es) with thedisplay(s).

The system and method may provide a menu-driven environment which mayduplicate content on the television or provide remote controls fordisplays. Thus, the systems and methods disclosed herein may enableusers to use existing electronic devices as a temporary remote controldevice to control multiple displays via respective set-top boxes.Therefore the systems and methods presented herein avoid the need foradditional or expensive high functionality remote controls. In thisrespect, the teachings presented herein also include providing thesoftware and/or application for the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device. The application, to the extent needed,may be downloaded from the Internet or alternatively made available bydownload from the set top/back box.

Referring to FIG. 7, one embodiment of single frame signaling betweenthe set-top box 14 and the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 is depicted. At operational module 290, a timeror user request generates a request 292 from the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40, which is receivedby the capture/compress module 294 at the set-top box 14. Theoperational module 294 responsive thereto, receives a video generationsignal from the operational module 296, which is F_(output) (X_(STB),Y_(STB)). This signal is forwarded to operational module 298, where thesignal is formatted and/or scaled for particular the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40, based on thepairing established between the set-top box 14 and the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40. That is, theoperational module 298 formats and/or scales the signal from F_(output)(X_(STB), Y_(STB)), with individual pixels being (X_(STB), Y_(STB)), toF_(device) (X_(PD), Y_(PD)), with individual pixels being (X_(PD),Y_(PD)). The formatted and/or scaled signal F_(device) (X_(PD), Y_(PD))is sent via signal video frame (SVF) signal 300 from the set-top box 14and received at operational module 302, where the signal and message arereceived and displayed at operational module 304 on the touch screendisplay 268 with the I/O panel 270 of the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40. In this manner, parallel audiovisualexperience instructions are provided by the set-top box 14 to theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 to createa parallel experience, which as discussed previously, may includevirtual buttons. It should be appreciated that the various operationalmodules described in FIG. 7 and herein may be executed by the hardware,software, and firmware architectures depicted in FIG. 6, for example.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of streaming video between the set-top box14 and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device40. At operational module 310 a request 312 originates from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 and isreceived by operational module 314, where the message is received and aresponse 316 is transmitted back to the wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40, indicating that the parameters. The response 316is received at operational module 318. With reference again to theset-top box 14, an operational module 320 generates the streaming video,which is captured and compressed at operational module 322, prior tobeing formatted, in one embodiment, as an IP stream output atoperational module 324. After transmission from the set-top box 14, theIP video stream 326 is received by the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40 at operational module 328, and thendecompressed at operational module 330 prior to being displayed atoperational module 332. Similar to the discussion in FIG. 7, theformatting and scaling involves transforming F_(output) (X_(STB),Y_(STB)), with individual pixels being (X_(STB), Y_(STB)), to F_(device)(X_(PD), Y_(PD)), with individual pixels being (X_(PD), Y_(PD)) andreflecting a substantially real-time stream rate. In this manner,parallel audiovisual experience instructions are provided by the set-topbox 14 to the wireless-enabled interactive programmable device 40 tocreate a parallel experience, which as discussed previously, may includevirtual buttons.

FIG. 9 depicts one embodiment of control signaling between the set-topbox 14 and the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice 40. At the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice 40, a button click or touch-and-click operation is detected atoperational module 340, which then sends request 342. The button clickmay be associated with the actuation of a virtual button, which forms aportion of the parallel audiovisual experience. The set-top box 14receives the request 342 and operational module 344 executes aprogrammable command interpreter based on a configuration profile todetermine the individual pixels (X_(STB), Y_(STB)) associated withtouch-and-click operation at (X_(PD), Y_(PD)). Based on the parallelaudiovisual instructions sent from the set-top box 14 and the receivedlocation of the touch-and-click operation, the operational module 344determines the command and amenity associated with the actuation of thevirtual button actuation on the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40. In the particular illustrated embodiment, atoperational module 346, an embedded web browser engine 346, working withoperational module 350, which handles internal video playback control,forwards a command signal 348 to the appropriate displays 16-1, 16-2, .. . , 16-n.

FIG. 10 depicts one embodiment of a method for user touch panel displaycommand execution. At block 360, the methodology is in standby. At block362, a user drags his or her finger to particular coordinates on thetouch screen display of the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device. At block 364, the event is transmitted from theprogrammable device and received by the set-top box, where thecoordinates are translated from the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device coordinates to the set-top boxcoordinates. At block 366, the event is passed back to the programmabledevice and continued to be monitored. As shown by the dashed lies fromblock 368, it should be understood that during this process the user maycontinue to touch the screen.

At decision block 370, the movement type is determined and if a dragrelease occurred (block 372), then the focus of the methodology changesto the new coordinates. On the other hand, if a click movement occurs,then at decision block 374, the methodology forms a tree depending onwhether or not the click occurred at existing coordinates (block 376) ornew coordinates (block 378). These events are monitored for properreporting to the set-top box 14 from the wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device 40 of the location and type of touch-and-clickoperation, which may include a drag and/or release, occurs.

FIG. 11 depicts one embodiment of a method for providing a remotecontrol device, according to the teachings presented herein. At block390, the process begins before at block 392, the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device is configured toprovide a parallel audiovisual experience. In one implementation, thismay involve using an existing application on the programmable device,such as a browser, or downloading a new application. At block 394, asearch, which may be active or passive, is performed by the set-top boxto identify a physically present and proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device 40 in the multi-display environment. Atblock 396, a pairing is established prior to a scalable parallelaudiovisual experience being provided at block 398 on the touch screendisplay of the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice. The audiovisual experience is parallel to the televisionexperience being provided by the set-top box. As noted by block 400,this experience may include providing virtual buttons integrated withinthe audiovisual experience or two or more panels within the touch screendisplay showing the television experience and one or more virtual remotecontrols. As previously discussed, the virtual remote controls andbuttons each correspond to amenities under the control of the set-topbox.

At block 402, command coordinates are received from the programmabledevice at the set-top box and these command coordinates are translatedinto a command signal at block 404 intended for one or more displaysassociated with the respective set-top boxes based on the location ofthe touch-and-click operation, which more generally may be understood asa user interaction, and the parallel experience being provided by theset-top box to the wireless-enabled interactive programmable device. Atblock 406, the command is sent from the appropriate set-top boxes to thedisplays. In one embodiment, at decision block 408, the methodology mayperform a set-top-box-to-set-top-box signalization check or aserver-based signalization check. With respect to theset-top-box-to-set-top-box signalization check at block 410, a set-topbox sends a confirming command to all the other set-top boxes to ensureall set-top boxes within the same synchronization profile received thecommand. On the other hand, at block 412, a server sends a confirmingcommand to all the other set-top boxes to ensure all set-top boxeswithin the same synchronization profile received the command. Followingboth blocks 410 and 412, the process ends at block 414.

The order of execution or performance of the methods and data flowsillustrated and described herein is not essential, unless otherwisespecified. That is, elements of the methods and data flows may beperformed in any order, unless otherwise specified, and that the methodsmay include more or less elements than those disclosed herein. Forexample, it is contemplated that executing or performing a particularelement before, contemporaneously with, or after another element are allpossible sequences of execution.

While this invention has been described with reference to illustrativeembodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in alimiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of theillustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention,will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to thedescription. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claimsencompass any such modifications or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
 1. A set-top box system comprising: a first set-topbox including: a housing securing a television input, a televisionoutput, a processor, memory, and storage therein, a busing architecturecommunicatively interconnecting the television input, the televisionoutput, the processor, the memory, and the storage, a wirelesstransceiver associated with the housing and coupled to the busingarchitecture, the wireless transceiver operable to communicate with aproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, thetelevision input configured to receive a source signal from an externalsource, the television output configured to forward a fully tuned signalto a first display, and the memory accessible to the processor, thememory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed,cause the processor to: establish a pairing between the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the first set-topbox, receive and process virtual remote control functionality inputinstructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device, evaluate the virtual remote control functionalityinput instructions to assign a meaning, generate a command signal, andsend the command signal to the first display; a syndication profileassociated with the first set-top box and a second set-top box thatenables the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable deviceto control the first display via the first set-top box and a seconddisplay associated via the second set-top box; and the second set-topbox including: a housing securing a television input, a televisionoutput, a processor, memory, and storage therein, a busing architecturecommunicatively interconnecting the television input, the televisionoutput, the processor, the memory, and the storage, a wirelesstransceiver associated with the housing and coupled to the busingarchitecture, the wireless transceiver operable to communicate with aproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, thetelevision input configured to receive a source signal from an externalsource, the television output configured to forward a fully tuned signalto the second display, and the memory accessible to the processor, thememory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed,cause the processor to: receive signalization associated with asyndication profile, send the command signal to the second display; andwherein, with respect to the second set-top box, the signalizationfurther comprises signalization received from a server; wherein theserver further comprises: a housing securing inputs, outputs, aprocessor, memory, and storage therein; a busing architecturecommunicatively interconnecting the inputs, outputs, the processor, thememory, and the storage; a wireless transceiver associated with thehousing and coupled to the busing architecture, the wireless transceiveroperable to communicate with the first and second set-top boxes; and thememory accessible to the processor, the memory includingprocessor-executable instructions that, when executed, cause theprocessor to: receive the signalization from the first set-top box, andforward the signalization to the second set-top box; wherein thesyndication profile provides that a single instance of the virtualremote control functionality input instructions controls the firstset-top box and the second set-top box.
 2. The set-top box system asrecited in claim 1, wherein, with respect to the second set-top box, thesignalization further comprises signalization received from theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device.
 3. Theset-top box system as recited in claim 2, wherein the signalizationreceived from the proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice is coincident with the virtual remote control functionality inputinstructions received at the first set-top box.
 4. The set-top boxsystem as recited in claim 2, wherein the signalization received fromthe proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device furthercomprises the virtual remote control functionality input instructions.5. The set-top box system as recited in claim 2, wherein thesignalization received from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device follows the virtual remote control functionalityinput instructions received at the first set-top box.
 6. The set-top boxsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein, with respect to the secondset-top box, the signalization further comprises signalization receivedfrom the first set-top box.
 7. The set-top box system as recited inclaim 1, wherein, with respect to the first set-top box, the memoryfurther comprises processor-executable instructions that, when executed,cause the processor to send the signalization to the second set-top box.8. The set-top box system as recited in claim 1, wherein the syndicationprofile is at least partially saved in the respective memory of thefirst and second set-top boxes.
 9. The set-top box system as recited inclaim 1, wherein the syndication profile further comprises data onsubscribers selected from the group consisting of set-top boxes,proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable devices, andservers.
 10. The set-top box system as recited in claim 1, wherein theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device comprises adevice selected from the group consisting of personal computers,laptops, tablet computers, smart phones, and smart watches.
 11. Theset-top box system as recited in claim 1, wherein the wirelesstransceiver is configured to communicate with the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device via a standard selectedfrom the group consisting of infrared (IR), 802.11, 3G, 4G, Edge, Wi-Fi,ZigBee, near field communications (NFC), Bluetooth, and Bluetooth lowenergy.
 12. The set-top box system as recited in claim 1, wherein thehousing further comprises a housing-dongle combination securing thetelevision input, the television output, the processor, memory, storage,and an active sound control circuit portion therewith.
 13. The set-topbox system as recited in claim 12, wherein the processor and the memoryare distributed through the housing-dongle combination.
 14. The set-topbox system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first display and thesecond display comprise a television.
 15. The set-top box system asrecited in claim 1, wherein the display comprises an electronic visualdisplay device.
 16. The set-top box system as recited in claim 1,wherein the server receives the signalization from the first set-top boxand formats the signalization to the second set-top box.
 17. A set-topbox system comprising: a first set-top box including: a housing securinga television input, a television output, a processor, memory, andstorage therein, a busing architecture communicatively interconnectingthe television input, the television output, the processor, the memory,and the storage, a wireless transceiver associated with the housing andcoupled to the busing architecture, the wireless transceiver operable tocommunicate with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmabledevice, the television input configured to receive a source signal froman external source, the television output configured to forward a fullytuned signal to a first display, and the memory accessible to theprocessor, the memory including processor-executable instructions that,when executed, cause the processor to: establish a pairing between theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the firstset-top box, receive and process virtual remote control functionalityinput instructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device, evaluate the virtual remote control functionalityinput instructions to assign a meaning, generate a first syndicationprofile command signal, and send the first syndication profile commandsignal to the first display; the first syndication profile associatedwith the first set-top box and a second set-top box that enables theproximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device to controlthe first display via the first set-top box and a second displayassociated via the second set-top box; a second syndication profileassociated with a third set-top box that enables the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device to control a thirddisplay via the third set-top box; the second set-top box including: ahousing securing a television input, a television output, a processor,memory, and storage therein, a busing architecture communicativelyinterconnecting the television input, the television output, theprocessor, the memory, and the storage, a wireless transceiverassociated with the housing and coupled to the busing architecture, thewireless transceiver operable to communicate with a proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device, the television inputconfigured to receive a source signal from an external source, thetelevision output configured to forward a fully tuned signal to thesecond display, and the memory accessible to the processor, the memoryincluding processor-executable instructions that, when executed, causethe processor to: receive and process the virtual remote controlfunctionality input instructions from the proximate wireless-enabledinteractive programmable device, evaluate the virtual remote controlfunctionality input instructions to assign a meaning, generate thecommand signal, and send the command signal to the second display; andthe third set-top box including: a housing securing a television input,a television output, a processor, memory, and storage therein, a busingarchitecture communicatively interconnecting the television input, thetelevision output, the processor, the memory, and the storage, awireless transceiver associated with the housing and coupled to thebusing architecture, the wireless transceiver operable to communicatewith a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device, thetelevision input configured to receive a source signal from an externalsource, the television output configured to forward a fully tuned signalto a first display, and the memory accessible to the processor, thememory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed,cause the processor to: establish a pairing between the proximatewireless-enabled interactive programmable device and the third set-topbox, receive and process virtual remote control functionality inputinstructions from the proximate wireless-enabled interactiveprogrammable device, evaluate the functionality input instructions toassign a meaning, generate a second syndication profile command signal,and send the second syndication profile command signal to a thirddisplay.